Robert and Joan Culbert immigrated to the United States from Dublin, Ireland in 1990. They settled in Worcester and opened Emerald Meats Butcher Shop in March 2004. Robert had been trained and employed as a butcher in Ireland and, since arriving in Worcester, had worked in area stores as a butcher and as a store manager. Shortly after arriving in Worcester, Joan worked in O'Connor's Restaurant and Bar as a waitress and then in management. The couple have three children Kevin, Brian, and Sinead.

Robert and Joan were featured in a March 16, 2008 article in the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. Click here to read the entire article.